Comparing COVID-19 Response Behaviors between a Cancer Patient Sample and a Population-Based Cancer-Free Sample in a Rural Midwestern State

Breanna B. Greteman; Crystal J. Garcia-Auguste; Amanda R. Kahl; Brian M. Gryzlak; Elizabeth A. Chrischilles; Mary E. Charlton; Sarah H. Nash

doi:10.1159/000533408

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Comparing COVID-19 Response Behaviors between a Cancer Patient Sample and a Population-Based Cancer-Free Sample in a Rural Midwestern State

Journal article

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Comparing COVID-19 Response Behaviors between a Cancer Patient Sample and a Population-Based Cancer-Free Sample in a Rural Midwestern State

Breanna B. Greteman, Crystal J. Garcia-Auguste, Amanda R. Kahl, Brian M. Gryzlak, Elizabeth A. Chrischilles, Mary E. Charlton and Sarah H. Nash

Oncology, Vol.101(12), pp.808-816

01/2024

DOI: 10.1159/000533408

PMCID: PMC10842972

PMID: 37579737

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10842972/pdf/nihms-1929211.pdfView

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Abstract

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in fear, anxiety, and depressive symptoms globally. For populations at increased risk for adverse outcomes due to illness, such as cancer patients, these worries may have been exacerbated. Understanding how the pandemic impacted cancer patients will inform better preparation for future events that cause disturbances to cancer care delivery. Methods This study analyzed data from two surveys to determine whether cancer patients’ responses differed from a cancer-free population-based sample in terms of concerns, preventive behaviors, and thoughts on their healthcare provider’s communication regarding COVID-19, in a U.S. midwestern state. In August 2020, a survey was sent to 10,009 Iowans aged 18 and older, randomly selected from the 2018 Iowa voter registration file. In September 2020, a survey was emailed to 2,954 cancer patients aged 18 and older who opted into the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Patients Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden program. Previously validated and pre-tested Likert-type and multiple-choice items assessed concern regarding COVID-19, social distancing perception and behaviors, and demographic characteristics of respondents. We used chi-square tests and logistic regression to examine differences between the cancer patient and general population survey responses. Results We included 3,622 responses from the general population survey, and 780 responses from the cancer patient survey in this analysis. Cancer patient survey respondents were more frequently older, lived in urban areas, had Medicare insurance coverage, had a college degree or higher, and were married. Cancer patients were more likely to report engaging in social distancing behaviors and greater concern regarding the pandemic. Conclusion This study suggests differences in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients compared to cancer-free members of the general population. These results indicate the need for consideration of cancer patients’ physical and mental health during large-scale disruptions to cancer care.

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Title: Subtitle: Comparing COVID-19 Response Behaviors between a Cancer Patient Sample and a Population-Based Cancer-Free Sample in a Rural Midwestern State
Creators: Breanna B. Greteman
Crystal J. Garcia-Auguste
Amanda R. Kahl
Brian M. Gryzlak
Elizabeth A. Chrischilles
Mary E. Charlton
Sarah H. Nash
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Oncology, Vol.101(12), pp.808-816
DOI: 10.1159/000533408
PMID: 37579737
PMCID: PMC10842972
NLM abbreviation: Oncology
ISSN: 0030-2414
eISSN: 1423-0232
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 08/14/2023
Date published: 01/2024
Academic Unit: Pharmacy; Epidemiology; Center for Social Science Innovation; Community and Behavioral Health
Record Identifier: 9984455493702771

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